WFTO Asia Fair Trade Dinner 2012

World Fair Trade Organization ASIA (WFTO ASIA) and World Fair Trade Organization Philippines are hosting a “Fair Trade Dinner” where guests can “Enjoy a meaningful dinner, and savor Fair Trade Fine Food” to culminate the week-long celebration of the Social Enterprises Week and the World Fair Trade Day at the Cocoon Boutique Hotel on Monday May 28, 2012 at 7:00 pm. 


The event aims to showcase and promote Fair Trade food, crafts and social enterprise groups whilst bringing together key personalities in the government, business and NGO sectors.


Tickets are priced at Php 800 (single) Php 1,500 (double) and Php 7,000 (table - group of 10). Dinner tickets must be purchased in advance at World Fair Trade Organization ASIA by emailing fairtradedinner@gmail.com or calling at (632) 415 2219.

ADB Civil Society's Solutions Market

Gifts & Graces was invited to take part in the Asian Development Bank's 45th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors. Running from the 2 May to 5 May, the meeting sought to bring together ministers of finance & development, bankers, private sector representatives, civil society and media to discuss a broad range of issues linked poverty alleviation.

On 3 May, the ADB's Civil Society Program in conjunction with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) and the Global Shapers organized a Solutions Market, showcasing “Innovations Shaping the Future of Development in Asia and the Pacific.” We were granted the opportunity to showcase our work amongst some terrific NGOs and programs working not only around the country, but in other parts of the wider Asian region as well.

Our Executive Director Greg Perez presented on some of our work and experiences. Other presenters on the day included Sen. Chiz Escudero who spoke on “Inspiring Leadership and Youth,” Richard “Dick” Gordon (Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross) and members of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Manila Hub; mentor Karen Davila, Mayor Pie Alvarez, Ponce Ernest Samaniego, Dr. Bryan Albert Lim, Bianca Gonzalez, Eric Pasion, Mildred Ople & Eleanor Pinugu.

It was definitely an inspiring few days listening to thoughts and stories about development, time to get back to work and help to make it happen!